A COLD PLASMA-ASSISTED PRINTING SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING.

Abstract

The invention relates to a double-acting printing system developed for the integrated use of droplet spraying and fluid deposition-based liquid dispensing systems, widely used in many fields such as additive manufacturing of electronic circuits, bioprinting, packaging printing, and digital graphic printing, and for supporting these processes with cold plasma.

Description

1 TARIFF A COLD PLASMA-ASSISTED PRINTING SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING. Technical Area The invention relates to droplet spraying and fluid delivery in the field of additive manufacturing technologies. integrated use of base-based liquid dispensing systems and these processes with cold plasma 5 It relates to a dual-action printing system developed to support this. State of the Art Today, inkjet printing systems utilize functional printing. Applications include electronic circuit manufacturing, bioprinting, packaging printing, and digital graphic printing. It is widely used in many areas such as these. In these systems, ink or 10 Similar fluids are typically driven by thermal, piezoelectric, or other electromechanical methods. By means of its mechanisms, it is sprayed in the form of droplets onto the substrate surface. This approach, based on droplet formation and flight, is being implemented. While enabling high-resolution printing, it also prevents droplet scattering. (satellite droplets), droplet positioning errors, surface tension and contact angle 15 related spreading irregularities, nozzle clogging, and fluids of different viscosities This can lead to various technical problems, such as limitations in processing. Especially functional inks, conductive pastes, bioinks and high In applications where viscous fluids are used, these problems are related to pressure. This can negatively affect quality and process stability. 20 In current systems, flow control is mostly achieved through pressure or temperature, abrupt cessation of liquid flow or precise dosing on a scale of microliters, picoliters, etc. This is difficult to do, especially in micro-scale or multi-material production, regarding surface treatment. It reduces the resolution and consistency of the binder distribution. Also, in the nozzle... The risk of clogging and errors in directing the binding droplets negatively affect production quality. 25 This has an impact. These shortcomings necessitate a more flexible fluid that can operate over a wider viscosity range. a new method that can control its spread at the micro level and increase material selection This creates a need for inkjet 3D printing systems. On the other hand, in printing technologies, the surface energy of the substrate is controlled. Plasma processes are also known for this purpose. Especially atmospheric or cold plasma 30 applications for surface cleaning, activation and enhancement of surface energy 2 It is applied as a separate processing step before printing. However, the existing In these systems, the mechanism for transferring fluid to the surface through plasma application is generally... They operate independently of each other, and the fluid is applied to the surface in a controlled manner. electromechanical droplets through capillary-based mechanisms that enable their spread 5 creation mechanisms together in the same print head or within the same system And solutions for making it usable in a selective way remain limited. Therefore adaptable to different fluid properties and different substrate types, when necessary droplet spraying, and if necessary, controlled contact of the fluid with the surface. plasma that can achieve this in a way that provides surface modification. There is a need for advanced printing systems that can be integrated with applications. It is heard. The application with publication number US20240138061A1, which was encountered as a result of the research, has a flexible approach. Cold plasma to increase the surface energy before inkjet application to the substrate It is mentioned that this application is implemented between layers; however, this study is about applying it between layers. It does not include a cold plasma system. However, the current technique includes a selective 15 The application of cold plasma is not mentioned. Furthermore, the spreading method is not discussed in the study. ink with surface tension and viscosity within a very limited range because it is not present It is necessary to use it. Another document encountered as a result of research on this subject is: The document is US9403382B2. It describes a plasma unit. There are 20 available. The document describes how to modify surface hydrophilicity and adjust viscosity during publication. pH control is mentioned. The need for viscosity adjustment is a problem. This is encountered. The relevant document does not include a spreading method. This Therefore, efforts are being made to increase the range of inks that can be used by controlling the pH. According to document US6874699B2 in the literature, a tube is shaped like a pipette 25 by using a fluid-filled device, the liquid is drawn into a reservoir and this liquid is then removed. This document describes the deposition of droplets onto a surface using piezoelectric assistance. The lack of pressure control on the reservoir allows the use of different fluids. It obstructs and narrows down the fluid selection. In conclusion, due to the negative aspects described above and the current solutions regarding issue 30 Due to its shortcomings, an improvement is needed in the relevant technical field. It has been made. 3 Purpose of the Invention The invention was created by drawing inspiration from existing situations and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. It aims to solve the problem. The main purpose of the invention is to create a patterned cold plasma on the substrate and between the layers. capable of applying, using micro-spreading technique of fluid used as ink, capillary action 5 by taking advantage of its effect, it enables controlled spreading and at the same time Thanks to its electromechanical converters, it can implement droplet spraying technology. The goal is to create a printing system that can be used in this way. Another purpose of the invention is to apply cold to desired areas in additive manufacturing. a path pattern capable of applying plasma and allowing the fluid to propagate itself 10 The goal is to offer a system that includes a cold plasma system that enables this process. Another purpose of the invention is to reduce the distance of the cold plasma from the surface to which it will be applied. The goal is to provide a system where the plasma power, gas flow rate, and type can be adjusted. Another purpose of the invention is to control fluid flow rate, pressure, and electromechanical (piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, electrostatic or electromagnetic etc.) impulse (15 if required) The aim is to offer a system that controls using the principles of (withdrawal) and capillarity. Another aim of the invention is to improve production through the application of patternable cold plasma. The aim is to increase its determination. Another aim of the invention is to apply cold plasma to sites that are lyophilic (or hydrophilic or The aim is to make it become organophilic. At the same time, depending on the parameter setting, the plasma becomes 20 making the applied areas lyophobic (or hydrophobic or organophobic) to provide. Another objective of the invention is to determine the cold plasma parameters (gas flow rate, surface to be treated). (distance, rate of advancement (exposure time) and plasma power) will be adjusted The wettability of the surface depends on the ink (hydrophobic or lyophobic or organophobic and 25 (by changing to lyophilic or hydrophilic or organophilic) making it adjustable to provide. Another purpose of the invention is to apply cold to a preceding layer that has already dried or sintered. Plasma application ensures that the new ink layer placed on top of the previous layer The aim is to ensure a homogeneous distribution across the surface. This allows for a more even distribution across the layer width. 4 This ensures a uniform particle distribution and results in more robust and stable layers. This ensures its creation. Another aim of the invention is to provide a wider selection of fluids, more stable flow control, and better substrate performance. or by enabling highly precise liquid transfer to the surface of the previous layer and different By being able to distribute materials, it is possible to develop new composite and new alloy materials. 5 The aim is to provide and eliminate the technical shortcomings of existing inkjet-based systems. To fulfill the purposes described above, the invention is designed to produce goods using additive manufacturing and used in the production of conductive electrodes, which are categorized under printed electronics.  The area where the print is made, and which moves up and down on the vertical axis. 10 that can be movable and on which printing can be done with or without a substrate. a tray,  Vertical axis shaft that enables the table to move up and down,  Power supply, microprocessors, and user settings modification power unit containing a screen and / or buttons that it can control,  All load-bearing structural elements located on the horizontal and vertical axes 15 chassis on which it is located,  Drive mounted on the chassis and moving along the horizontal axis horizontal axis profiles carrying the mechanisms It is a printing system that includes;  Cold plasma 20 applied to desired areas between substrates and layers implementation and a path pattern in which the fluid can propagate itself. the formation, wettability of areas where cold plasma is applied a cold plasma system that can change and includes the following: Storing any gas that will create cold plasma gas supplier, 25 Properties of the gas in question, such as flow rate or pressure. gas that provides electronic or mechanical control controller, It allows the cold plasma to exit and affect the target area. cold plasma nozzle 30 that enables it The gas coming from the gas controller goes into the cold plasma nozzle. gas transmission chamber that enables its transmission and By increasing the voltage, the gas surrounding the desired conductor, that is cold plasma generator that enables fluid ionization  The fluid is applied to the substrate or the previous layer by spraying. the opening that allows accumulation  Dosing unit that adjusts and maintains the pressure at the opening tip,  Ensure the dosing unit is filled with liquid and that the dosing is done during air purging. The chambers that take the air out of the unit, 5  A fluid that creates a volumetric deformation via an electrical signal. the pressure that creates micro-scale pressure waves on it, the mentioned pressure In addition to the displacement caused by pressure, the flow rate and and allows for precise adjustment through pressure control In case of blockage, volumetric deformation and vibration 10 electromechanical that helps to clear blockages through its effect converter It includes. The structural and characteristic features and all the advantages of the invention are given in the figures below. Thanks to the detailed explanation written with references to these figures, it becomes clearer. 15 This will be understood as such, and therefore the evaluation will also take these forms and detailed explanations into account. This should be done taking that into consideration. Figures that will help understand the invention. Figure 1 shows a general perspective view of the system that is the subject of the invention. Description of Part References 20 10. Gas supplier 11. Gas controller 12. Gas transmission chamber 13. Cold plasma nozzle 14. Cold plasma generator 25 Table 21 30. Vertical axis shaft 6 40. Dosing unit 41. Reservoirs Pipe 42 43. Valve 44. Valve 5 45. Electromechanical converter 46. ​​Openness 60. Control unit 70. Chassis 90. Horizontal axis profiles 10 Detailed Description of the Invention This detailed explanation describes the preferred cold plasma assisted printing system that is the subject of the invention. the structures that have been established are solely for the purpose of better understanding the subject. It is explained. The printing system described in the invention, shown in Figure 1, consists of 15 layers on the substrate and between the layers. microscopically applied to a patterned cold plasma, the fluid used as ink spreading technique, taking advantage of the capillary effect, to spread in a controlled manner. and thanks to the electromechanical converters it possesses It offers an innovative mechanism that can also utilize droplet spraying technology. The substrate to be printed on can be flexible or rigid. System fluid, flow rate, pressure 20 control, electromechanical (piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, electrostatic or (electromagnets, etc.) controlled by the principles of repulsion (and retraction when necessary) and capillarity. If the spreading technique is chosen instead of spraying, the fluid, substrate or previous The droplet is deposited onto the layer surface; instead of falling onto the substrate or the previous layer, It spreads by contact. This method allows the fluid to spread on the substrate or the surface of the previous layer for 25 minutes. It ensures a more stable, linear and homogeneous distribution. It also ensures continuous liquid contact. This creates a continuously stable binding bridge. In this case, the part Ensures the edges and surfaces are smooth. Spraying at turns and finishes. 7 This technique can yield more beneficial results. Therefore, hybrid usage is possible. This invention is one of the advantages of the system. The invention describes a system that enables production through the application of patternable cold plasma. Its stability is increased when a patterned cold plasma is applied to the surface of the substrate. The fluid will follow this path. This ensures that even if the fluid is distributed from a single point, 5 It will tend to spread into a fluid pattern and take shape within the pattern. Cold plasma The unapplied sections act like a wall, guiding the fluid. The substrate The plasma density can be adjusted depending on its characteristic properties. The opposite approach may be necessary. Different doses of cold plasma or the characteristic structure of the applied surface and the parameters of the cold plasma 10 Thanks to our ability to modify the desired areas with cold plasma, we can make them hydrophilic or We can make it hydrophobic; in short, cold plasma as described above. By changing the wettability of the surface to which it is applied, it becomes lyophilic (or hydrophilic) to the applied areas. or organophilic), areas where it is not applied become lyophobic (or hydrophobic or organophobic) It may occur; depending on the application and surface, it is also possible to create the exact opposite. Also 15 Different surface energies at turns and finishes may yield better results. Cold plasma. Its power, gas flow rate, and adjustable height from the surface are advantages for these reasons. It provides the same effect as applying cold plasma over the previous dried or sintered layer. The new ink layer that will be applied will be on top of the previous layer This can ensure a homogeneous distribution. This results in a more even distribution across the layer width. It provides particle dispersion and enables the creation of more robust, stable, and functional layers. It provides this. Also, because the new layer to be added is intended to create a composite structure. If the ink is made from a different material, a cold compress will be applied to the previous layer. The fact that homogeneous distribution of the new ink can be achieved by applying plasma is very... It provides significant advantages for structures made of this material. 25 A conductive material produced through additive manufacturing and classified in the printed electronics category. The invention concerns substrates and layers in the printing system used in the production of electrodes. between the desired areas, cold plasma is applied and the fluid itself creating a pathway pattern through which it can spread, and ensuring that the areas where cold plasma is applied are lyophilic. (or hydrophilic or organophilic), and where not applied, lyophobic (or hydrophobic 30 It contains a cold plasma system that causes it to become (organophobic) or resistant to cold. The cold plasma system in question involves any gas that will create cold plasma. (atmosphere, argon, helium or mixed gases, etc.) gas that enables storage The provider (10) electronically or mechanically modifies the properties of the gas such as flow rate or pressure. 8 the gas controller (11) which controls the gas coming from the gas controller (11) gas transmission chamber (12) and voltage which enables transmission to the cold plasma nozzle (13) by increasing the ionization of the gas, or fluid, surrounding the desired conductor It contains a cold plasma generator (14) that provides the gas. The mentioned gas supplier (10) It contains multiple tubes, allowing it to distribute materials to different areas when needed. It can supply different gases depending on the connection. Argon for silver conductors; helium for copper conductors, etc. In this way, different gases and gas mixtures are used to form composite conductors. can use. The printing system described in the invention is designed for use on the fluid path when required. electromechanical converter (45) and / or converters (piezoelectric, 10 Electricity has various properties (electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, electrostatic, or electromagnetic, etc.). The volumetric deformation caused by the signal creates micro-scale pressure on the fluid. This creates waves. In addition to the pressure and displacement caused by this pressure, the flow, It can be precisely adjusted with flow and pressure control; liquid can be withdrawn if necessary. Prevents clogging or droplet accumulation at the nozzle tip. Also suitable for both high and low pressure systems. when binders with different viscosities and surface tensions are to be used in the system Fluid can be exited steadily from the nozzle tip. This situation allows for fluid control. To support the flow rate of the liquid, the dosing unit (40) on the reservoir in the system It allows for precise adjustment. This control is achieved through a screw shaft piston mechanism. This can be achieved via a peristaltic pump or micropump. This positive displacement 20 The pump (piston mechanism) adjusts the viscosity range of the fluid to the level that the equipment can withstand. Suitable for use at pressures ranging from <1 to 5,000,000 mPa.s or above. It recognizes. In addition, the temperature of the fluid and the plate (21) can be controlled with heaters and sensors. And precise adjustments can be made by maintaining the rheological properties of the fluid within the desired range. In addition, this capability allows for the dispensing of liquids containing different particles. 25 This process facilitates the creation of composite structures. This results in stronger and more durable structures. Creating 3D structures with desired properties and developing new materials becomes possible. It comes through conductive channels that pass through it by changing the fluid at certain stages. a polymer structure or a structure containing a pattern with a distinctive property can be created. These printed areas with different fluids exhibit conductivity, strength, and heating-30 It can be used for cooling purposes. The printing system described in the invention also involves the application of the fluid onto the substrate or prior layer. The opening (46) that allows the liquid to be collected by spraying and the dosing unit (40) 9 (41) It includes. In conclusion, the system described in this invention offers a wider selection of fluids and more stable flow control. and by enabling highly precise fluid transfer to the surface of the substrate or previous layer. and by being able to distribute different materials, we can develop new composite and new alloy materials. 5 It offers opportunities and eliminates the technical shortcomings of existing inkjet-based systems. It removes. The working principle of the printing system described in the invention is as follows: When creating a 3D object with a slicing program, which regions should be placed on which layer? A code block is generated indicating that fluid will be applied. The code can also be written manually. 10 In this code block, in each layer, the coordinates to which the opening (46) will go and how much fluid should be released or if drip irrigation method is preferred If there are areas that have been treated, the dosing unit (40) adjusts the amount of fluid in addition to electromechanical converter (45) or converters with how many amplitudes and wavelengths It may contain instructions indicating that it will operate. Electromechanical Converter and / or 15 The programmed characteristic amplitude and wavelength signal of the converters is different. It can also be controlled by circuitry. Similarly, cold plasma can be controlled within the code block. which coordinates the nozzle will go to, and from what height, with what flow rate and pressure, There are instructions regarding how many watts of plasma to deliver. Similarly, cold Plasma generator (14) and gas controller (11) can also be connected with a different circuit or external structure. can be controlled. If the cold plasma generator (14) and the gas controller (11) and Electromechanical converter (45) and / or converters controlled by external configuration If code control is to be performed, the code block may contain simple commands such as opening and closing. It is in a format that the microprocessors in the unit (60) can understand. Control unit (60) It may include screens and / or buttons that the user can interact with. Control unit (60) 25 It includes sockets for connecting a memory card and / or a computer. Sliced ​​3D. The object code is stored in the control unit (60) with the help of a memory card or computer. is transferred to the microprocessors. The control unit (60) performs the necessary preliminary preparations (by going to the origin). (axis resetting, adjusting temperatures to appropriate levels, etc.) All structures It is positioned on a chassis (70). The chassis (70) and / or vertical shaft (30), horizontal axis 30 Limit switches and position switches can be placed on profiles (90). Table (21), spreading or spraying method thanks to vertical axis shafts (30) Depending on the requirement, the amount of fluid in the meniscus will be lower. It is mobile. In the laying method, fluid substrate or dried / sintered layer when in contact with; in spray printing, during printing, to the substrate or previous There is no fluid contact with the layer. The vertical axis shaft (30) is the bottom or previous of the opening (46). Up and down when it reaches the appropriate coordinates to adjust the distance from the layer. It moves / can move according to the command given in the direction. Horizontal axis profiles (90), span 5 (46) Moves to the coordinates specified in the code along the X and Y axes. The opening (46) of the sub-axis or it overlaps the previous printed layer and remains at a distance where it won't touch it. This The distance varies depending on the spreading or spraying method chosen. (Fluid) Displacement is given with the help of the dosing unit (40). Fluid electromechanical converter (45) or it comes to the opening (46) by passing through a channel affected by the converters. 10 The fluid exits through the opening (46) and forms a meniscus. This bulge is either underneath or previous It makes contact by touching the accumulated layer. As a result of this contact, capillarity and Due to adhesive forces, the fluid flows onto the substrate or the previously printed layer. The accumulation process takes place. Electromechanical converter (45) or converters It plays a role in meniscus formation. It also affects dense fluids or 15 from the nozzle. It can separate fluids that don't separate by applying sudden impacts. In cases such as blockages... It can clear the blockage with instantaneous pulses. Electromechanical transducer (45) and / or Transducers include electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezo types. It can consist of materials or systems. Dosing unit (40) and electromechanical converter (45) or converters 20 As a result of working in coordination with the horizontal axis profiles (90), the first layer Fluid is deposited in all areas that need to be patterned. Fluid is spread on the first layer. After the operation, the opening (46) is drawn to a specific area and if necessary the horizontal axis Heater, infrared lamp, near infrared lamps, flash lamp depending on profile (90), 25 printed by exposing to heat via microwave generator and / or UV lamp. The areas are dried and / or sintered. On the heating plate (21) They can be found. During printing, heaters are used to quickly dry and / or sinter. Fluid viscosity can be open due to reasons such as adjusting surface tensions. Similarly... The fact that the table (21) is hot causes lyophobia (or hydrophobia or 30 for adjusting organophobicity), surface tension and rapid drying / sintering. available. The vertical axis shafts (30) lower the table (21) by the thickness of the layer; if vertical If the axis shafts (30) are connected to the opening (46) instead of the table (21), then the vertical axis shafts (30) It moves upwards and opens again to print the second layer (46) 11 It moves along the horizontal axis profile (90) towards the regions. As a result of these iterative processes, 3D the green part of the object or the brown part or according to the material used The final part is thus created. The dosing unit (40) may have one or more reservoirs (41). These reservoirs are different The printing fluid can be stored, or a liquid or solution can be used to clean the system. 5 It may also have a reservoir. Reservoirs can be connected to a valve (43) by means of a pipe (42). This valve (43) establishes the connection between the desired liquid and the dosing unit (40) or the reservoirs. It acts as a cutting tool. The dosing unit (40) may be of the piston syringe type. Such a In this case, it sends flow from its own reservoir to the opening (46). Flow rate inside the dosing unit (40) The meter, temperature sensor and heater can be found. The dosing unit (40) also has an air intake 10 It also performs the operation. For the air release operation, valve (44) is closed. The relevant valve (43) The reservoir side is opened. The pipe (42) is connected to the reservoir of the dosing unit (40) from the top. It connects. According to the laws of physics, the air in the system will rise to the top. Piston down. It performs a positive displacement movement in one direction. The air inside the piston passes into the chambers. Then the piston moves in the opposite direction, and the liquid inside the chamber flows into the piston's chamber. It passes. Thus, the filling process is also done. In the first filling process, below the opening (46) Liquid will be injected from a reservoir into which it will be placed and into which it will dive, using the principle of a syringe. The suction process can be performed. In this pipette-style filling method, the system is airtight. It is an advantage. Also, a waste container under the opening (46) during cleaning. By placing it here, the fluid within the system can be discharged. At the same time, this waste 20 Optimization studies of droplet spraying using a reservoir, whether it takes in air or not. And checks can be made to see if there is a stable flow.

Claims

12 REQUESTS 1. Produced using additive manufacturing and classified in the printed electronics category. used in the production of conductive electrodes  The area where the print is made, and which moves up and down on the vertical axis. 5 movable, capable of printing with or without a base. a table (21),  Vertical axis shaft (30) that enables the up and down movement of the table (21),  Power supply, microprocessors, and user settings modification power unit (60) which includes a screen and / or buttons that it can use,  All load-bearing structural elements located on the horizontal and vertical axes 10 chassis (70) on which it is located,  Drive mounted on the chassis and moving along the horizontal axis horizontal axis profiles carrying mechanisms (90) It is a printing system that includes;  Cold plasma applied to desired areas between substrates and layers 15 implementation and a path pattern in which the fluid can propagate itself. the formation, wettability of areas where cold plasma is applied a cold plasma system that can change and includes the following: Storing any gas that will create cold plasma gas supplier (10), 20 Properties of the gas in question, such as flow rate or pressure. gas controller that provides electronic or mechanical control (11), It allows the cold plasma to exit and affect the target area. cold plasma nozzle (13) which enables it to do 25 The cold plasma of gas coming from the gas controller (11) gas transmission chamber (12) which enables the gas to be conveyed to the nozzle (13) and By increasing the voltage, the gas surrounding the desired conductor, that is Cold plasma generator that enables ionization of the fluid (14)  The fluid is applied to the substrate or the previous layer by spraying at 30°C. the opening that allows accumulation (46),  Dosing unit that adjusts and maintains the pressure at the opening (46) end. (40), 13  Filling the dosing unit (40) with liquid, dosing during air removal air intake chambers in the unit (41),  A fluid that creates a volumetric deformation via an electrical signal. the pressure that creates micro-scale pressure waves on it, the mentioned pressure In addition to the displacement caused by pressure, the flow rate and 5 enabling precise adjustment through pressure control electromechanical converter (45) It includes.

2. A pressure system that conforms to Claim 1, and whose characteristic is that the mentioned gas, fluid 10 The atmosphere consists of argon or helium.

3. It is a printing system in accordance with Claim 1, the feature of which is that the reservoirs (41) are connected to the dosing unit. (40) is that it contains a pipe (42) which provides the connection.

4. A printing system that conforms to Claim 1, and its features include air removal and filling. during the operation, the connection between the dosing unit (40) and the reservoir. It contains a valve (43) which provides 5. A printing system that conforms to Claim 1, and its feature is; dosing unit (40) and opening 20 (46) filling and air operations that prevent or allow flow between them. It includes the valve (44) used during the process.

6. A printing system that conforms to Claim 1, and its characteristic is the aforementioned electromechanical system. piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, electrostatic converters (45) 25 or it is an electromagnet.

7. It is a printing system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is powered by the power unit (60). It includes a heated plate (21) with a controllable temperature.

8. A printing system that conforms to Claim 1, and whose feature is that it is based on the horizontal axis profile (90). infrared lamp, near-infrared lamps, flash lamp, microwave generator and / or areas that are printed by being exposed to heat via a UV lamp It contains a heater that enables drying and / or sintering. 35 14 9. A printing system conforming to Claim 1, characterized by having multiple gas chambers. gas controller (11) for different gases depending on printing requirements It includes the gas supplier (10) through whom it allows its use.

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